Do I Need Permission To Remove Trees In Orlando?

SUNDAY INSIDER INSIDE GOVERNMENT

May 6, 1990

A:You must get a city permit to cut down any tree that more than 4 inches in diameter.

Orlando has had a tree-protection ordinance on the books for 17 years. The purpose is to maintain Orlando's beauty by ensuring that the city will always have a canopy of healthy trees. The law not only covers trees on city rights of way, but those in your back yard as well.

To get a permit to remove a tree you must call Bob Wiley, the city's tree control inspector, at 849-2283. He will come out and examine the tree and decide whether it can be removed.

In making his decision Wiley will evaluate your reason for wanting to remove the tree as well as safety factors, the tree's health and the condition and number of surrounding trees. If Wiley grants permission, there is a $10 permit fee.

Wiley estimates that he grants about 500 removal permits each year. However, he said he sometimes grants removal permits on the condition that a replacement tree is planted. He notes that trees often increase the value of property.

Anyone who removes a tree without a permit can be subject to fines of up to $250 a day and the cost of purchasing and planting several trees to replace each tree that is removed.